Fourth Street-Berkeley Marina

In the westernmost part of Berkeley, “The Slot” may be a perfect fit. Nicknamed by sailors for its consistent bay breezes, Fourth Street-Berkeley Marina is home to the small, leafy Fourth Street shopping village and the Berkeley Marina, surrounded by 100-plus acres of parks. Ideal for commuters, this historic neighborhood sits just west of the Eastshore Freeway, two minutes off the 580/80, and a half-block south of the Berkeley Amtrak station.

Well preserved Victorian-era homes within the Delaware Street Historic District list for about $2.5 million and are rarely seen on the market. Mid-sized Craftsman or Craftsman-style bungalows average $1.5 million; the more ornate the details, like shingled gables and stained-glass windows, the higher the price. The open streets have smooth sidewalks, and the generally small yards are neatly kept with either lush grass and shrubs or low-water plantings. Seagulls swoop and circle far off the bay, and you'll hear the trumpet of train horns, often late into the night.

The first non-native settlement in Berkeley, the Fourth Street-Berkeley Marina area was originally known as the town of Ocean View, primarily settled in the Gold Rush-era 1850s. Once home to several mills and manufacturers, the last one standing is Truitt and White Lumber Company, here since the 1950s. Civic leaders began a push in the ‘60s to raze the neighborhood’s remaining Victorian-era homes in favor of more manufacturers, but by 1979, the Delaware Street Historic District was established to protect these architectural treasures.

Many sailing enthusiasts treasure the Berkeley Marina for its gorgeous bay views and friendly, active community. For some water folk, this community is centered around the private Berkeley Yacht Club, known for its racing events and Sunday jazz afternoons in its bay-view bar. Marina upgrades in recent years include repaved roads, new landscaping and an aluminum gangway, and slip fees start at about $160 a month.

The Marina is surrounded by huge parks, full of spots for picnicking and bird watching, as well as seven miles’ worth of walking and biking paths. Snuggled beside the Marina parking lot on its own peninsula, 90-acre Cesar Chavez Park is rimmed by San Francisco Bay shoreline with a network of paved and dirt-packed trails, and a sprawling, hilly open space used for kite flying and dog running. “This is my favorite place to hike in the city,” says longtime Berkeley resident Kristie Tacey. “It’s usually sunny here, and while the wind keeps you from getting too hot, I’d suggest bringing a hat and a windbreaker for comfort.” Tacey continues, “You'll see some seriously elaborate kites here, and a bunch of ground squirrels and herons and adorable dogs living their best lives. You'll have amazing views of the bridges as you look back from the hills, with the bay crashing against the rocks. My shoulders are relaxing just thinking about it.”

Further east in the neighborhood, you’ll find the 18,000-square-foot Berkeley Skatepark, where some of the Bay Area’s best amateur skaters, from young kids to young adults, come to shred; the park is lit until 9:30 every night. Five-acre Cedar Rose Park has tennis and pickleball courts, and if you have a passion for pollinators, consider a plot in the plant paradise of Peralta Community Garden.

Shopping more your thing? Head to Fourth Street, one of Berkeley’s most popular shopping streets. Chain anchors here include an Apple Store and Benefit Cosmetics, but you’ll also find locally owned options like Outback in the Temple of Venus, a women's clothing boutique with a New Age vibe. Coffee options include local roaster Artís, which Tacey goes to for some of the best coffee in the Bay Area. Lined with tall, leafy trees, Fourth Street is a special treat during the holidays, when it’s all a-twinkle with a million lights.

Fourth Street eateries include upscale Iyasare, for everything Japanese from sushi to yaki, and ramen to don; and the Oceanview Diner, renowned for their fluffy pancakes. Over at the Marina, you can cap off a day of sailing or hiking with a seafood meal and a blazing sunset view at Skates on the Bay, where the extensive wine list travels the globe.

For hyper-local wine options, head to the Berkeley Wine Block for natural, unfined wines made by small producers like Donkey & Goat; the First Friday of each month, wineries here hold a block party with live local music and different Bay Area food pop-ups. Nearby you’ll also find several area-chain breweries like including Gilman Brewing Company, set in a former autobody shop, where you can choose from a rotating selection of 13 beers, including farmhouse saisons and bold IPAs.

Home cooks are spoiled for choice in Fourth Street-Berkeley Marina, with options like Whole Foods and the organic, bulk-bin paradise of Berkeley Natural Grocery Company. Specialty markets include The Spanish Table for cookware and products from Spain and Portugal; the all-Japanese-all-the-time Tokyo Fish Market; and the Halal Food & Meat Market, stocked with Middle Eastern staples.

Right in the neighborhood, Berkeley Unified’s Ruth Acty Elementary earns an 8/10 from GreatSchools for its sky-high test scores and academic progress; students often continue from here to Martin Luther Middle and Berkeley High, both of which nab ratings of 7/10. For more personalized learning, Fusion Academy Berkeley serves sixth through 12th grade with one student and one teacher per classroom.

If you want to set sail on a Berkeley adventure that includes top-notch shopping, recreation, schools and commuting options, come tie up at the dock in Fourth Street-Berkeley Marina.

Written By

Melanie Wynne

Photography Contributed By

Anne Kohler

Video By

Melinda Anselmo